The Contemporary Period

Historical Background of Philippine Literature During the Modern Period

The Modern Period of Philippine literature, also known as the Contemporary Period, covers the years
from the 1960s to the present. During this time, there were significant social and political changes in the
Philippines, including the People Power Revolution in 1986, which led to the end of the Marcos
dictatorship. These events had a significant impact on Philippine literature, as writers sought to reflect
and comment on the changing society in their works.

During the Modern Period, there was a shift away from the traditional forms of Philippine literature,
such as epics and folk tales, towards more contemporary forms of expression, such as fiction, poetry,
and drama. This was in part due to the influence of western literary traditions, as well as the increasing
availability of education and exposure to different forms of literature.

One of the key themes of Philippine literature during the Modern Period has been the search for identity
and national consciousness, as writers sought to come to terms with the country's colonial past and find
a place for themselves in the modern world. Other themes that have been explored include social
justice, politics, and the human condition.

Overall, the Modern Period of Philippine literature has been marked by a diverse range of voices and
perspectives, as writers sought to explore and understand the complexities of Philippine society and
culture.

Philippine Literature

The timeline of Philippine literature stretches back to pre-colonial times, with the earliest known
examples of Philippine literature being oral traditions such as folk tales, epics, and traditional songs.

During the colonial period, beginning in the 16th century with the arrival of the Spanish, Philippine
literature was heavily influenced by European literary traditions. This period saw the emergence of
religious texts and poetry written in Spanish, as well as the adaptation of European literary forms such
as the novel and the play.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a movement known as the Propaganda Movement sought to
use literature as a means of promoting nationalism and independence from Spain. This period saw the
emergence of writers such as José Rizal and Graciano López Jaena, who used their works to critique
colonialism and call for reform.

After the Philippines gained independence from the United States in 1946, a new period of Philippine
literature, known as the Contemporary Period or the Modern Period, began. This period, which covers
the years from the 1960s to the present, has been marked by a diverse range of voices and perspectives,
as writers have sought to explore and understand the complexities of Philippine society and culture.

List of some popular Philippine authors, artists, and novelists:

Jose Rizal: Considered the national hero of the Philippines, Rizal was a writer, reformist, and
revolutionary who played a key role in the Philippine Revolution and the Propaganda Movement. He is
best known for his novels "Noli Me Tangere" and "El Filibusterismo," which were critical of the Spanish
colonial government and played a significant role in shaping Philippine nationalism.

Nick Joaquin: A Filipino writer, historian, and journalist, Joaquin is considered one of the foremost
figures in Philippine literature. He is best known for his novels "The Woman Who Had Two Navels" and
"The Summer Solstice," as well as his collection of short stories "The Mass of St. Sylvester."

F. Sionil José: A Filipino novelist, essayist, and journalist, José is known for his works that explore the
social and political issues facing the Philippines. His most famous work is the Rosales Saga, a series of
five novels that chronicle the history of the Philippines through the story of one family.

Lualhati Bautista: A Filipino novelist and screenplay writer, Bautista is known for her socially conscious
works that address issues such as gender inequality, poverty, and corruption. Her most famous novel is
"Dekada '70," which tells the story of a middle-class Filipino family during the martial law regime of
Ferdinand Marcos.

Arturo Luz: A Filipino painter, printmaker, and sculptor, Luz is considered one of the pioneers of modern
Philippine art. He is known for his abstract paintings that incorporate elements of traditional Philippine
design and motifs.

José Joya: A Filipino painter and printmaker, Joya is known for his abstract expressionist paintings that
explore themes of identity and national consciousness. His works are characterized by bold brushstrokes
and vibrant colors.